With the trilogue negotiations on the omnibus starting this week, there is a great opportunity to update and create another set of legislation offering further protection to EU consumers. Read more what Paolo Falcioni said at the European Consumers Union’s event on strengthening the European Union for a more effective consumer protection.

“The importance of consumers and thus of EU consumer legislation is central to APPLiA members. To keep this consumer trust, full harmonisation of consumer legislation at European level is a must”, said Paolo Falcioni at the European Consumers Union’s event on strengthening the European Union for a more effective consumer protection.

“Every year, home appliance manufacturers produce appliances that have at least one direct contact with each of us as a consumer. This is an enormous responsibility. We deeply care about Europeans and this is why they are the driver of our Manifesto", he added, referring to the recently launched industry publication in view of the upcoming EU elections.

Before talking about implementing the New Deal, a good deal need first to be secured. With the trilogue negotiations on the omnibus starting this week, there is a great opportunity to update and create another set of legislation offering further protection to EU consumers.

National derogations, while they could be justified in limited cases, should not become the default, common denominator of EU consumer law. The multiplication of derogations would form a step-back against the principles of a Single Market with free movement of goods and create an uneven situation for consumers. To keep consumer trust, it is fundamental that consumers are entitled the same level of confidence wherever they purchase goods within the EU. A cooperative approach among member States could bring solutions and preserve the Single Market.

The panel discussion also focused on the importance of consumer spending, which accounts for 57% of EU GDP. In a globalised context, restoring consumer confidence is essential. The New Deal, which bridges the gap thanks to a cross-sectoral approach, was praised as a step in the right direction.